Isla Bennett
An ingrown nail is a common condition that can cause a lot of pain and discomfort. While it usually affects the toes, it can also occur on the fingernails, making simple tasks like typing or washing up difficult and painful. In some cases, an ingrown nail can lead to a nail infection, known as paronychia, which requires prompt medical attention. Here's what you need to know about dealing with an ingrown nail and preventing potential complications.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Condition | Paronychia (Nail Infection) |
| Symptoms | Pain, swelling and tenderness around the nail, skin that is red and warm to the touch, pus that builds up under the skin, a white to yellow pus-filled abscess, ridges or waves in the nail, dry and brittle nails, nail appearing yellow or green |
| Causes | Trauma, irritation or infection, bacteria entering broken skin near the cuticle and nail fold, fungal infection, yeast-like organism Candida, biting nails, trimming or pushing back the cuticle, diabetes, conditions affecting blood circulation |
| Treatment | Soaking the infected area in warm water, OTC topical treatments, oral antibiotics, antifungal medication, draining the abscess, removing a portion of the nail, surgery |
| Prevention | Keep nails trimmed, especially after bathing, trim nails with a slightly rounded edge, do not cut toenails too short, avoid biting nails, avoid picking at the skin around nails, use rubber gloves with an absorbent cotton lining when exposing hands to water or harsh chemicals |
What You'll Learn
Soak the nail in warm water
Soaking the nail in warm water is a recommended home remedy for an infected, inflamed, or painful overgrown nail. This condition is known as paronychia, and it can cause swelling and tenderness around the nail, along with redness and warmth in the surrounding skin.
Soaking the affected area in warm water for 15 minutes, two to four times a day, is a simple and effective way to treat mild to moderate cases of paronychia. It helps to relieve pain and inflammation and can be easily done at home. The warm water temperature is also soothing and can enhance blood flow to the area, promoting healing.
To perform this treatment, fill a basin with warm water and submerge the affected finger or toe in it for the recommended duration. Ensure that the water is not too hot to avoid further irritating the skin. You can also add Epsom salt to the warm water to create a soothing soak that may help reduce inflammation and soften the skin and nail, making it easier to trim the nail once it has softened.
After soaking, gently pat the area dry with a clean towel and apply a topical antibiotic or antifungal ointment to prevent further infection. It is important to keep the affected nail dry during the day after soaking to prevent moisture buildup, which could lead to further infection.
While soaking is a useful home remedy, it may not be sufficient for more severe cases of paronychia. If symptoms do not improve with this treatment, or if pus develops near the nail, it is important to consult a doctor for further evaluation and treatment. They may recommend oral antibiotics or other non-invasive medical procedures to address the condition.
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Apply OTC topical treatments
In the case of an ingrown nail, you can apply over-the-counter (OTC) topical treatments to the affected area. These treatments can help relieve pain and inflammation.
Before applying any OTC topical treatments, it is recommended to rinse the ingrown fingernail with fresh water and gently pat it dry.
Some examples of OTC topical treatments include:
- Antibiotics: These can help fight bacterial infections that may be causing the ingrown nail.
- Antifungal treatments: If the infection is caused by a fungus, such as Candida, then antifungal creams, lotions, or oral medications may be prescribed.
- Corticosteroids: These can help reduce inflammation and relieve pain.
It is important to keep the ingrown nail dry during the day after applying these treatments. However, if you have an infection, it is recommended to keep the infected area covered with a sterile bandage to prevent further infection.
If the ingrown nail does not improve with these treatments, or if you develop an infection, it is important to speak with a doctor or healthcare professional. They may recommend non-invasive medical procedures or, in rare cases, surgery to resolve the issue.
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See a doctor for non-invasive procedures
If home remedies and over-the-counter (OTC) treatments do not help relieve inflammation and pain, or you have an infection, it is advisable to see a doctor for non-invasive procedures. Doctors may recommend non-invasive medical procedures for ingrown fingernails, which can relieve pain and enable the nail to grow properly. One such procedure involves placing tape on the affected side of the finger, wrapping it around the bottom of the finger to pull the skin away from the nail, thereby reducing pressure and pain.
Another non-invasive procedure involves gently lifting the nail and inserting a small wedge of medicated cotton or a small string of dental floss between the nail and the inflamed skin next to it. This separates the nail from the nail bed. Alternatively, a doctor may cut a vinyl intravenous infusion tube into a splint and place the affected finger inside the tube, taping it to relieve pain.
In the case of an abscess, a doctor may drain it to remove the pus. They may also prescribe antibiotics to treat the infection. For fungal paronychia, antifungal creams, lotions, or oral medications may be prescribed. If necessary, a small part of the nail may be removed to ensure complete drainage.
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Surgery for severe cases
In most cases, ingrown fingernails can be treated at home and will heal without any complications. However, in severe cases, surgery may be required. If home remedies do not help, or if an infection develops, it is important to seek medical treatment.
Ingrown fingernails can cause swelling, pain, and infection, which can disrupt everyday activities. Surgery is more commonly required for ingrown toenails, but if non-invasive treatments do not resolve an ingrown fingernail, a doctor may recommend surgery. This involves removing a portion of the nail using special tools or chemicals to allow the infected area to drain and heal. Sometimes, the entire nail may need to be removed.
Before performing surgery, a doctor may take a sample of the pus to be tested for bacteria or fungi. They may also take a sample of the tissue to test for specific infectious causes. Antibiotics may be prescribed after the procedure to prevent infection.
It is important to note that people with diabetes, neuropathy, poor blood circulation, or an infection should not attempt to treat ingrown nails at home and should seek medical advice.
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Preventative nail care
Regular Cuticle Maintenance
Cuticle maintenance is crucial for optimal nail health. Routine care helps keep the nail area clean and reduces the risk of infections. It also supports healthy nail growth and maintains overall nail strength. Regular attention to cuticles can encourage proper nail growth patterns and prevent irregularities. By consistently caring for your cuticles, you can prevent overgrown cuticles from becoming a recurring issue.
Proper Trimming and Shaping
When trimming your nails, it is important to cut them straight across, avoiding tapering or rounding the corners. This helps prevent ingrown nails, which can lead to pain, swelling, and infection. Ingrown nails occur when the nail curves with the shape of your finger or toe and grows into the surrounding skin. By cutting them straight, you reduce the risk of the nail growing into the skin.
Avoid Harsh Chemicals and Products
Harsh nail products containing strong chemicals can irritate the cuticles and lead to overgrowth. It can also negatively affect the nail's appearance. Opt for more gentle and natural products to nourish and protect your nails and cuticles.
Keep Nails and Hands Dry and Clean
Frequent exposure to water can weaken the cuticles and promote their growth. If your hands or feet are routinely exposed to water, wear gloves or protective footwear to keep them dry. This is especially important if you work in jobs that constantly expose your hands to water, such as bartending, house cleaning, or dishwashing.
Address Underlying Health Conditions
Certain health conditions, such as diabetes or poor blood circulation, can increase the risk of nail issues, including infections and slow healing. It is important to manage these conditions effectively by following your treatment plan and maintaining healthy habits to reduce the risk of nail-related complications.
By incorporating these preventative nail care practices into your routine, you can help maintain healthy nails and reduce the likelihood of experiencing painful overgrown nails and swollen fingers.
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Frequently asked questions
It could be paronychia, an infection around the nail. It is caused by bacteria or fungi entering broken skin near the cuticle and nail fold.
The symptoms include pain, swelling, and tenderness around the nail. The skin is usually red and warm to the touch, and there may be pus-filled blisters.
Soak the affected area in warm water 2-4 times a day for at least 15 minutes. You can also apply OTC topical antibiotics, antifungals, or corticosteroids.
If your symptoms do not improve with home treatments, or if pus develops near the nail, consult a doctor. Also, seek medical attention if you have severe symptoms like fever or severe pain.
The doctor will examine the affected area and may take a sample of the pus for testing. They may prescribe oral or topical antibiotics, antifungals, or perform a minor procedure to drain the abscess and relieve pressure.
